Yes, you can legally rent a car at 18 in Oregon, but it is extremely difficult and comes with significant challenges and costs. Oregon state law does not set a minimum age for renting a vehicle, which technically makes it legal for an 18-year-old. However, nearly all major national rental car companies have corporate policies that set the minimum rental age at 21, and many even require the driver to be 25 to avoid expensive "young renter" fees. For an 18-year-old, your primary option will be independent, local rental agencies, which may have their own specific rules and require you to assume all liability.
The single biggest hurdle is corporate policy, not state law. Major brands like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis uniformly enforce a minimum age of 21. This is a risk-management decision, as statistical data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows drivers aged 16-19 have the highest crash rates per mile driven. If you do find a local company willing to rent to you, expect strict requirements: a clean driving record, a major credit card (debit cards are often not accepted), and proof of your own full-coverage insurance. You will also face a substantial young renter surcharge, which can add $25-$50 or more per day to the base rental cost.
| Rental Company/Type | Minimum Age Policy | Key Conditions & Likely Surcharges |
|---|
| Major National Chains (e.g., Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) | 21+ | Surcharges typically apply for renters aged 21-24. No rentals to under-21. |
| Local/Independent Agencies | Varies; some may allow 18+ | Strict screening, high security deposit, mandatory liability waiver purchases, daily young renter fees. |
| Turo (Peer-to-Peer) | 18+ (in most states, including OR) | Age is set by the individual car owner. Expect "young driver fee" (often 30%+ of trip price) for under 25. |
| Renting a Truck (e.g., U-Haul) | 18+ for local moves | Designed for moving equipment, not personal transport. Mileage and insurance costs add up quickly. |
Your most viable path is likely through a peer-to-peer service like Turo, where individual car owners set their own rental rules. Many owners on Turo allow 18-year-old renters but will add a significant young driver fee. Before booking, carefully review the owner's profile and requirements. Renting a U-Haul truck for personal use is a legal but impractical and expensive alternative. Ultimately, while possible, renting a car at 18 in Oregon requires extensive research, a higher budget, and a willingness to accept more risk and responsibility.
